Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is no longer a niche product in the fashion world. More and more people are consciously choosing organic cotton clothing, not only because it is environmentally friendly but also because of its high quality and skin-friendliness. In a world where conscious consumption is becoming increasingly important, organic cotton is a responsible choice that combines ecological awareness and sustainability. As one of the most eco-friendly natural fibers, organic cotton plays a significant role.
The demand for cotton textiles is enormous—around 50% of all textiles worldwide are made from cotton. Cotton clothing remains indispensable due to its many positive properties and versatile applications. However, only about 1% of all cotton grown comes from controlled organic farming, making it an ecologically sustainable choice.
Definition and Origin
What exactly is organic cotton, and why is it so special?
Organic cotton is grown under strict ecological standards. Unlike conventional cotton, organic farming avoids chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Instead, natural methods like crop rotation and composting are used to keep the soil healthy and protect the plants from pests.
This not only safeguards the environment but also the health of the people working in agriculture.
Where Does Cotton Come From?
The geographic origin of organic cotton is mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. Key growing areas include countries like India, China, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and parts of Africa. Here, the cotton plants are cultivated under ideal climatic conditions, leading to high-quality fibers.
The cultivation of organic cotton preserves valuable resources such as water and soil. This process occurs without the use of harmful chemicals, which not only protects the environment but also the health of the workers in the fields. The soils remain fertile, water pollution is reduced, and biodiversity is promoted.
However, only a very small proportion of the world’s cotton is grown organically, despite the increasing demand for organic cotton.
Organic cotton can be identified by the GOTS seal (Global Organic Textile Standard), which represents the highest standards, ecological production, and socially fair practices throughout the entire production process—from raw material sourcing to manufacturing and delivery to the end customers.
read more
Organic Cotton: Characteristics & Features
The unique characteristics of organic cotton make it a preferred choice for many environmentally conscious consumers. One of its greatest advantages is sustainability.
Compared to conventional cotton, organic cotton farming offers the following benefits:
- Lower CO2 emissions
- Reduced soil acidification
- Less energy consumption
- Fewer nutrient deposits in the soil
- Lower water consumption
Beyond its promising environmental benefits, textiles made from organic cotton also boast many positive properties:
- Skin-friendly and particularly suitable for people with sensitive skin
- Free from harmful residues, making it ideal for allergy sufferers
- Especially soft fabrics
- Breathable, ensuring a comfortable wearing experience
- Clothing made from organic cotton retains its shape for a long time
- Garments made from pure organic cotton are robust and durable
Caring for Organic Cotton
At Iris von Arnim, we also emphasize high-quality natural fibers like organic cotton in our collections. In our online shop, you'll find organic cotton clothing for both women and men, such as clean cotton blouses with minimalist designs or classic basic shirts for men and women—timeless pieces of the highest quality that should be a staple in any wardrobe. Thanks to their endless styling possibilities, they’ll quickly become your new favourite items.
Discover the skin-friendliness, durability, and quality of designer clothing made from carefully selected organic cotton and experience the comfort that makes you feel good every day.
However, to ensure your organic cotton garments remain beautiful for a long time, proper care is essential. Always start by following the care instructions on the label.
Wash your 100% cotton clothing at low temperatures and with gentle spin cycles, and it's best to use mild detergents, such as delicate fabric detergents.
After washing, reshape the garments and let them dry flat. You can then gently iron the textiles inside out.